E3 ligases MAC3A and MAC3B ubiquitinate UBIQUITIN-SPECIFIC PROTEASE14 to regulate organ size in Arabidopsis

The cap-binding complex modulates ABA-responsive transcript splicing during germination in barley (Hordeum vulgare)

To decipher the molecular bases governing seed germination, this study presents the pivotal role of the cap-binding complex (CBC), comprising CBP20 and CBP80, in modulating the inhibitory effects of abscisic acid (ABA) in barley. Using both single and double barley mutants in genes encoding the CBC, we revealed that the double mutant hvcbp20.ab/hvcbp80.b displays ABA insensitivity, in stark contrast to the hypersensitivity observed in single mutants during germination. Our comprehensive transcriptome and metabolome analysis not only identified significant alterations in gene expression and splicing patterns but also underscored the regulatory nexus among CBC, ABA, and brassinosteroid (BR) signaling pathways.

An integrated QTL and RNA-seq analysis revealed new petal morphology loci in Brassica napus L

BACKGROUND

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is one of the most important oil crops and a wildly cultivated horticultural crop. The petals of B. napus serve to protect the reproductive organs and attract pollinators and tourists. Understanding the genetic basis of petal morphology regulation is necessary for B. napus breeding.

RESULTS

In the present study, the quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis for six B. napus petal morphology parameters in a double haploid (DH) population was conducted across six microenvironments. A total of 243 QTLs and five QTL hotspots were observed, including 232 novel QTLs and three novel QTL hotspots. The spatiotemporal transcriptomic analysis of the diversiform petals was also conducted, which indicated that the expression of plant hormone metabolic and cytoskeletal binding protein genes was variant among diversiform petals.

CONCLUSIONS

The integration of QTL and RNA-seq analysis revealed that plant hormones (including cytokinin, auxin, and gibberellin) and cytoskeleton were key regulators of the petal morphology. Subsequently, 61 high-confidence candidate genes of petal morphology regulation were identified, including Bn.SAUR10, Bn.ARF18, Bn.KIR1, Bn.NGA2, Bn.PRF1, and Bn.VLN4. The current study provided novel QTLs and candidate genes for further breeding B. napus varieties with diversiform petals.

An insight into the roles of ubiquitin-specific proteases in plants: development and growth, morphogenesis, and stress response

Ubiquitination is a highly conserved and dynamic post-translational modification in which protein substrates are modified by ubiquitin to influence their activity, localization, or stability. Deubiquitination enzymes (DUBs) counter ubiquitin signaling by removing ubiquitin from the substrates. Ubiquitin-specific proteases (UBPs), the largest subfamily of DUBs, are conserved in plants, serving diverse functions across various cellular processes, although members within the same group often exhibit functional redundancy. Here, we briefly review recent advances in understanding the biological roles of UBPs, particularly the molecular mechanism by which UBPs regulate plant development and growth, morphogenesis, and stress response, which sheds light on the mechanistic roles of deubiquitination in plants.

An optimum study on the laser scanning confocal microscopy techniques for BiFC assay using plant protoplast

BACKGROUND

The bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assay is commonly used for investigating protein-protein interactions. While several BiFC detection systems have been developed, there is a limited amount of research focused on using laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) techniques to observe protoplasts. Protoplasts are more susceptible to damage and instability compared to their original cell state due to the preparation treatments they undergo, which makes it challenging for researchers to manipulate them during observation under LSCMs. Therefore, it is crucial to utilize microscope techniques properly and efficiently in BiFC assays.

RESULTS

When the target fluorescence is weak, the autofluorescence of chloroplast particles in protoplasts can interfere with the detection of BiFC signals localized in the nuclear region. Spectrum analysis revealed that chloroplast autofluorescence can be excited by lasers of various types, with the highest fluorescence signal observed at around 660 nm. Furthermore, our investigation into the impact of different pipette tips on the integrity of protoplast samples indicated that the utilization of cut tips with larger openings can mitigate cell breakage. We presented a workflow of LSCM techniques for investigating protoplast BiFC and discussed the microscopic manipulation involved in sample preparation and image capturing.

CONCLUSION

When the BiFC signals are weak, they may be affected by chloroplast autofluorescence. However, when used properly, the autofluorescence of chloroplasts can serve as an excellent internal marker for effectively distinguishing other signals. In combination with other findings, this study can provide valuable reference for researchers conducting BiFC assays and related studies.